Microbrew cover
2017BGG rank #6,618

Microbrew

by Nigel Kennington, Sarah Kennington · One Free Elephant

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Players2
Time45–60m
ComplexityMedium-Light
Age14+

About the game

What is Microbrew?

Microbrew is a medium-weight worker placement / puzzle game hybrid for two players: The Tiny Tin Brewery have challenged YOU - leaders of their two most skilled brewing teams to a brew off! Who will create the tastiest beers and win the most loyal customers? Only one way to find out - Ready! Set! Brew! In Microbrew, players take turns sending brewers to work stations to mash, brew, bottle and serve their own beer recipes to a stream of thirsty customers. Work stations aren't locked out like most other worker placement games - if you really want to push someone out - you can, but their worker goes back to be reused this turn! This means rounds are very dynamic and require careful thought to not just optimize your little team but also to predict where your opponent wants to be so you can ride their wave! Brewing isn't just worker placement though - each player has their own "Copper" brewing kettle where their brewer's actions can let them play a simple but fiendish puzzle game to reorganize their kettle and complete a perfect recipe. Or not! Will you try to make each customer's perfect beer and win their loyalty, or will you flood the market with average brews and let the marketing money do its thing? Microbrew was the winner of the 2017 Mint Tin Design Contest. Best Overall Design Most Innovative Mechanic

How it plays

Mechanics

Pattern BuildingPattern RecognitionWorker Placement

On the shelf

Categories

EconomicPrint & PlayPuzzle

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in Microbrew?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?